Published in: Blog

The Lion vs Elephant debate

Author myerzadmin

Published on: June 26, 2025

There’s an age-old debate in the world of wildlife: who is the true king of the jungle? The lion, with its commanding presence and powerful roar? Or the elephant, massive and unchallenged in its strength?

I’ve seen many moments that speak to this question, but one in particular, captured in the heart of Mana Pools, has stayed with me ever since.

I was lucky to be introduced to wild Africa at a young age. Growing up in Harare, my first real experience of true wilderness came when I was around 14, on a camp in Mana Pools. The fascination began there, and it’s never left me. Years later, while working with Wilderness Safaris, I had the privilege of spending extended time at Ruckomechi where this encounter unfolded.

We came across a young male lion, resting on the cool sand near the river. It was immediately obvious something was wrong. I realized that he was injured, likely from a failed hunt, and was limping badly on his back left leg. Though alert and able to move, he was in no state to run.

While we were watching him, a young elephant bull emerged from the tree line and began to head down the dry riverbed in both our direction and where the lion was rested up. As he moved closer, we noticed he picked up the lion’s scent at first, and then he spotted him. I could feel the tension rising. I had my camera ready; I knew something was about to happen.

The elephant charged in a flurry of size, speed and loud trumpeting.

Too injured to flee, the lion held his ground. He responded with a deep, guttural growl and unflinching eye contact, he stood firm. To my amazement, the young bull stopped in his tracks making a plume of reddish dust to enhance the drama. The bull backed off, regrouped, and tried again.

Same result.

The lion, wounded but undaunted, roared back. And once again, the young elephant backed down.

There was no third attempt. The elephant rerouted, and the lion, this time victorious in the unlikely stand-off, heaved himself up and limped away to find shade beneath a giant mahogany tree.

It was a powerful moment. So, who’s the real king of the jungle? Maybe it’s not just about size or strength. Maybe it’s about something deeper: resilience, heart, and the will to endure.